Sunday, 12 October 2014

Okonjo-Iweala Named African Finance Minister of the Year

Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Nigeria, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala ( winner of African Finance Minister of the Year and Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Merchant Capital, Mr. Bob Diamond ( winner of International Business Leader of the Year). Both were awards presented by Africa Investor. The ceremony was held alongside the 2014 Annual Worldbank/IMF meetings in Washington DC. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE OCT 9 2014

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nigerian Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (http://www.fmf.gov.ng) was today named African Finance Minister of the year by leading investment and international group, African Investor.

Okonjo-Iweala was announced winner from a shortlist which included Finance Ministers of Kenya, Angola, Rwanda, Liberia, Seychelles, Zambia and Kingdom of Morocco.

The Minister was described as a successful advocate and leader who has fought hard for Africa as an investment destination both for domestic and international investors.

She was also lauded for initiating reforms that have transformed the Nigerian economy thereby making it more attractive for business.

Okonjo-Iweala expressed gratitude for the recognition.

"I am delighted and honoured to have been picked as African Finance Minister of the Year 2014. Africa has come a long way from decades of economic stagnation to steady growth that has seen the continent make a huge leap for the better.

"In Nigeria, we are marching on. The building blocks for a greater future are being laid. I want to thank you for this recognition and I want to thank my President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for his constant support and my team at home, without which the job would have been impossible. Finally, I encourage every one of us to participate in the growth and development of our countries and our continent. Together, we will make it."

Africa Investor is an investment and communications groups advising governments, international organisations and businesses on capital market and foreign direct investment on the continent.

The group publishes Africa Investor, the leading international magazine for investment on the continent. The Africa Investment and Business Leaders award, which is in its 7th year, recognizes good businesses and institutions and individuals that positively impact investment climate on the continent.